Happy Feet

Two days since the KLIM run, thighs felt sore and hurt at any attempt to move faster. Unable to bend legs and having trouble going up staircases. Both feet could use a little massage, and a lot of rest. It seemed there'd be no running for another few more days!

Can’t believe I’d cross the finishing line, coach and the rest were all there. I told them my time was 2:29:55, they said I did a good job! I just wanna take off my shoes, my dear Reebok since 2002, the sole fell off. They were strong, they were loyal, and they didn’t give way till the last 100 metres. With great difficulty, I sat down on the pavement, despite the scorching heat.

From SOGO, the STAR LRT was in sight, I gathered all that’s left of my strength and dashed for the ‘FINISHING LINE’ banner. Came closer, I saw the signboard and remembered that we had to go around the block one more time. Like the Chinese saying, ‘Strength and spirit high at the 1^st roll of drum, fade away at the 2^nd roll, and die off at the 3^rd’. I felt like the fourth, maybe fifth… Like a zombie, I hauled my stiffened body ahead.

Such onerous suffering, could there be an answer to the question I sought? Am I just chasing wind? One thing for sure, I don’t want to be swept, I want to make it under the qualifying time. This is a test, if I failed, it’ll make my subsequent trial even more perilous.

The fatigue gave rise to a new sensation, sparking new ideas as I shambled forward like a lemming. If, life was a race, the ones who were well prepared and trained will get top places. Most would just barely qualify, some would fail. Everybody heads for the same destination; some would get there first because of the effort they put in much earlier on. And these efforts build up not in just one day, but it gradually and continuously shape the future of the person.

Almost half way thru, I felt my weight lightened, breathing eased, and movement smoothened. I picked up pace, overtaking a few people, and yet I felt like nothing! I was told later that I might be in the state of ‘Runner’s High’… kind of like orgasm while running…

Sky was dark, but the road was well lit. I tried to free my mind and concentrate only on breathing and pacing, much like when Neo’s attempting his first jump (Remember Matrix?). My eyes were wandering, that I couldn’t help. Couldn’t make out those KL roads, they looked so different, and so long.

In the midst of runners, feeling lonely as the clock on Merdeka Square counted down to 6am. Warming up didn’t help much, didn't break a sweat. Here I am, trying to find an answer, and letting the course ahead show me a way.